Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raza Signed as Brand Ambassadors of Pakistan Super League

Pakistan Super League will be held in Doha from 4 February 2016

September 8, 2015 12:56 IST

After formally announcing Doha as the venue for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) last month, the organisers are gradually moving ahead with more plans, after former Pakistan cricketers -- Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raza -- signed contracts with the PCB as brand ambassadors of the competition.

Akram and Raza, after retiring from the game, are still actively involved in the sport as commentators for various broadcasters. The PCB expects the duo to play an important role in making the PSL a global affair, and with it also improve the image of Pakistan cricket.

"We are sure that Wasim and Rameez will play important roles in promoting and selling the PSL globally and further enhancing the image of Pakistan cricket," PTI quoted a PCB official as saying.

The mega T20 tournament is scheduled to start for February 4-24 next year. More than 40 international players along with coaches have already agreed to participate in the PSL, which has $1million in prize money.

However, the PSL will not include any Indian cricketer.

The PCB initially had trouble finalising venues for the PSL. The cricket board wanted to host the competition in UAE, but they received a major setback as the venue had already been booked by another T20 competition -- Masters Champions League -- which will comprise of retired cricketers.

Top former cricketers from all around the world are also expected to be part of the Masters Champions League, but Akram and Raza are not going to be involved with the league, as their contracts do not permit them to do so.

"Their contracts also clearly state that they will have nothing to do with the planned Masters League T20 event next year in UAE," the official said.

In its inaugural edition, the PSL will only have a total of five teams, after which the number of teams are going to shoot up, depending on the success of the tournament.

Various cricket leagues around the world have taken shape after the success of the T20 format and it will be interesting to see if the PSL will also reach the heights attained by leagues such as the IPL, CPL and Big Bash.